Devices and methods for expression of bodily fluids from an incision

Abstract

Systems and methods for the expression of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include devices which bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly toward the incision. Systems utilize a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member. The present invention further encompasses combinations of the foregoing expression systems with each other, as well as with other expression devices known in the art. Moreover, the invention includes the combination of the expression systems with incising, sampling and / or testing systems, particularly in a single, integrated device. The present invention also contemplates the associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision, including in combination with methods for incising, sampling and / or testing of the bodily fluid.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 165,102, filed Jun. 7, 2002 (attorney docket no. WP 21373 US1 / 7404-365), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 879,991, filed Jun. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,000 (attorney docket no. WP 21373 US / 7404-135), and U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 165,102 claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 60 / 296,949, filed Jun. 8, 2001, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 296,950, filed Jun. 8, 2001, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 315,873, filed Aug. 29, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 315,968, filed Aug. 29, 2001. The entireties of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the sampling of a bodily fluid obtained from an incision in the skin, and more particularly to acquiring the fluid by capillary action. The invention also may include the combination of s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides various systems and methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision in the skin. The invention includes devices that bear against the skin in a manner to retain the fluid adjacent the incision site and urge the fluid inwardly towards the incision. The devices have a constricting member, a bi-stable expression member, or a pressing member that engages the skin and draws it into the device. The invention also includes the combination of the expression systems with other expression devices and incising, sampling, and testing systems, as well as associated methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision. The technical effects of the invention include improved methods for expressing bodily fluid from an incision in the skin.

Problems solved by technology

However, such direct vascular blood sampling can have several limitations, including pain, infection, and hematoma and other bleeding complications.

In addition, direct vascular blood sampling is not suitable for repeating on a routine basis, can be extremely difficult and is not advised for patients to perform on themselves.

However, the fingertip also has a large concentration of nerve endings, and lancing the fingertip can therefore be painful.

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